Latest news with #integration
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Bank Launches Inaugural Integrate Africa Magazine (I.A.M) to tell a New African Story on Regional Integration
The African Development Bank Group ( has unveiled its first edition of Integrate Africa Magazine (I.A.M.) during a colourful ceremony at the Sofitel Hotel, Abidjan. The event, held on Monday 26 May as part of the Bank's 2025 Annual Meetings, marks the beginning of a new African story – celebrating 10 years of investing in integration, while looking ahead to do more and better in the future. The magazine's pulse beats to the rhythm of opportunity and optimism – showing how African governments are investing in building connectivity with the African Development Bank at their side. With interconnected economies, a rapidly growing youth population, and growing human mobility – getting integration right is no longer a good option. It is an imperative. The event featured a cultural showcase, fireside chats, keynotes and the unveiling of I.A.M. With the Bank's new Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033) firmly rooting Integrate Africa as a major pillar, the conversations centred on what is to come following 10 years of investing in Africa's integration, A Chronicle of Progress, a Canvas of Possibilities The I.A.M. chronicles momentum – showcasing how the Bank has planted seeds of transformation – in roads, rail, air transport, power pools, ports, one-stop border posts – all coming together to bridge Africa. It captures the spirit of a borderless Africa in motion, with opening articles from some of the Bank's leaders framing the vision; and influential voices driving integration through trade, transport, sport, health, and business – highlighting where progress is and what we must do next. The editors took to the streets of Africa – asking young people how integration can be accelerated – with the results captured in I.A.M.'s 'Views from the Ground' segment. Border officials, traders, entrepreneurs, students and innovators all speak with the same voice: Africa's integration is the most cogent development strategy the continent has. It must happen - and happen fast. In addition to profiling 12 Bank–funded transformative projects - in transport corridors, one-stop border posts, power pools, rail, ports, agriculture, pharmaceutical production, pandemic response – and much more; I.A.M. also highlights the Bank's work at the frontlines of tackling fragility by investing in building resilience. Africa's new magazine I.A.M. offers a story of development impact – and a rare glimpse into how Africa is driving its integration and forging effective partnerships to go to scale. From Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade's keynote address showcasing Bank-financed infrastructure, to Vice President Nnenna Nwabufo's reminder that integration must be a lived experience, the launch event left us in no doubt: we are on track – but can do much more, together. Looking Forward As Africa stands at this point of immense opportunity, I.A.M. invites us to celebrate what is working, to understand the scale of what's left to be done and urges us all to be the protagonist in creating an Integrated Africa. You can access the magazine here: Integrate Africa Magazine – AfDB Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Contact: Betty Duwouona-Hammand Communication and External Relations Department email: media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The hilarious reason you can be denied citizenship in Switzerland
A little known rule could deny people being granted citizenship in Switzerland, it has been revealed. Moving to the country offers numerous perks, including stunning natural scenery and a strong economy with great job opportunities. However, those who try to enter may be denied if they are too 'annoying', Pubity first reported. The decision will be made based on whether or not locals feel an applicant is well integrated enough. Nancy Holten, a Dutch-born woman, was once rejected for being 'annoying' as a result of her her activism against Swiss traditions such as cowbells. Ms Holten had previously campaigned against cowbells, stating that cows wearing them were too loud and a form of animal cruelty. She also reportedly questioned piglet racing, church bells, as well as other noise or forms of animal distress. Ms Holten met all legal requirements, but locals voted against her as they did not feel she was the correct fit. Her application was later approved by higher authorities, who could not find a valid reason to deny her entry. Reacting to the bizarre rule on Instagram, one user wrote: 'Swiss guy here, absolutely true.' Another said: 'Sounds like a dream to live there!'
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
China teacher helps shy boy engage with peers by using lucky draw, sparks cheers, laughter
A primary teacher in China who hand-picked an introverted boy in a rigged lucky draw in a bid to help him integrate with his peers has won plaudits on mainland social media. Advertisement A video clip of the incident at an primary school in Luoyang, central Henan province in mid-May has received 6.3 million likes and been forwarded a million times on one leading short video platform alone. The unidentified teacher told her primary two students to draw lots to decide whether they could play outside for the rest of the class or continue with lessons. The shy youngster walks up to the front of the class to draw lots as his classmates give him encouragement. Photo: She said that if a student selected a blank lot, the class could go outside to play. The viral footage shows the teacher calling out the name of a shy boy, who was sitting in a corner of the classroom, to be the class representative. The boy appears to be in a daze for a few seconds before standing up from his seat and walking towards the podium in the front of the classroom while being encouraged by his classmates. Advertisement He was at first nervous at first, but as his classmates continued to encourage him, he grew more relaxed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DS Smith partners with Hitachi Digital Services to modernise integration platform
DS Smith, a packaging solutions provider, has formed a strategic partnership with Hitachi Digital Services, a digital consultancy and technology services provider, to modernise its integration platform and speed up digital innovation. Hitachi Digital Services will design and develop DS Smith's AI and system integrations by utilising technologies to drive innovation in complex manufacturing and packaging environments. DS Smith's current integration platform, Microsoft BizTalk, is nearing end-of-life support in 2027, prompting the company to seek a futureproof solution leveraging integration platform as a service capability. The company's partnership with Hitachi Digital Services will see its transition to a cloud-based, AI-powered integration ecosystem built on the Boomi platform. Furthermore, the company will be able to transition from legacy middleware, optimise system interoperability, and boost business agility. DS Smith IT applications and platforms director Leon Gelderblom said: "This partnership with Hitachi Digital Services represents a major step forward in DS Smith's digital transformation journey. "By modernising our integration infrastructure, we are not only improving efficiency but also futureproofing our operations to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace." The new partnership will offer accelerated integration deployment, enabling DS Smith to respond more quickly to market demands and evolving customer needs. The cloud-based system will provide enhanced resilience and reliability, ensuring robust and secure data flows, Hitachi Digital Services stated. AI-driven efficiency will automate integration processes, reducing maintenance overheads and allowing teams to concentrate on strategic business initiatives. Additionally, the solution's application programming interface (API)-first architecture is expected to improve connectivity with customers and vendors, thereby reducing onboarding times. DS Smith, with approximately 5,000 current integrations, 300 packaging centres, and more than 12 mills, has a multifaceted task in moving to an updated platform. Hitachi Digital Services stated that it will oversee the planning, execution, and migration, facilitating a smooth shift while preserving uninterrupted business operations. Hitachi Digital Services CEO Roger Lvin said: "At Hitachi Digital Services, we are committed to bringing industry-leading expertise to our clients, helping them navigate complex digital transformations with innovative solutions. 'Our work with DS Smith exemplifies this approach, delivering a cutting-edge integration platform that leverages cloud capabilities, AI-driven automation, and modern API connectivity. This initiative not only enhances DS Smith's operational agility but also reinforces our broader mission to drive digital excellence across industries." In April this year, DS Smith partnered with automotive components supplier TPV Automotive to develop an eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging solution for Bayerische Motoren Werke's car wheel carriers. "DS Smith partners with Hitachi Digital Services to modernise integration platform" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Emotional farewell in Baltimore for Norfolk 17 member
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Betty Jean Reed Kea died May 13 at the age of 81. That was four days before the 71st anniversary of the historic Brown v. Board Supreme Court decision that ruled separate is inherently unequal. Five years after that court decision, on Feb. 2, 1959, after Virginia launched a series of illegal steps to avoid integration, Betty Jean Reed walked alone on a long path toward equality. An iconic photo, taken of children on the steps of First Baptist Church on Bute Street, captured Betty Jean and 16 others who bravely integrated Norfolk Public Schools. Most of the Black children traveled with fellow students as they dodged the rocks, spit balls, and n-words that were hurled by a mob of white parents. But that wasn't the case for Betty Jean, who lived in the Titustown section of the city. Hidden History: The Norfolk 17 'I guess they sent groups to other schools,' said Reed's son, Kevin Kea. 'But my mother was the only one to walk by herself. So she had police at school with her every day.' (Note: also walked alone as the only Black student to enter Northside Jr. High School in 1959, according to her daughter, Michelle Curry. At the time, Talley-Hobby was 12 years old and entering seventh grade.) Robert Gaines, who attended Norview High School, recently wrote about what happened to the late Andrew Heidelberg at Norview High School when Blacks desegregated the school. Witness to history concerned about new form of Massive Resistance 'Kids were like, right in the face,' Gaines said. 'He [Heidelberg] did not get hit, but he thought he might get killed,' Gaines said. Other stories were shared with Reed Kea's son decades after Norfolk Public Schools were desegregated. 'We did have some of the [former] White students that did reach out to us,' Kea said. 'One of them was her friend, and she felt guilty that she didn't really interact with my mother as much as she could have or should have while she was at school because she was afraid of the negative treatment she would get just by befriending.' The stories of the Norfolk 17 are hidden no more. Reed Kea earned a masters degree and served as department chair for social studies in Baltimore public schools. 'So she was a good mentor,' said Reed Kea's daughter-in-law, Angela Kea. 'And she's a trailblazer because she's a part of history. She's a part of what made it possible for all schools to be desegregated. And I want to also say that one of her greatest accomplishments was instilling the values of justice, integrity and curiosity that defined her life. And I also wanted to say, because of her legacy, it is felt in classrooms across the United States because of her trailblazing legacy with the Norfolk 17.' Betty Jean Reed Kea paved the way for others. Retired Army Colonel Angelo Riddick and WAVY-TV's Regina Willey Mobley were the first Blacks inducted into the Granby High School Hall of Fame. Dr. Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Norfolk's first Black mayor, sent the Kea family a message of condolence that underscored Kea's role as a civil rights icon. 'Betty Jean Reed Kea played a crucial role in the city's history while paving the way for a more inclusive future,' Alexander said. According to the New Journal and Guide, there are seven living members of the Norfolk 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
